JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott is asking state legislators to pass a nearly $79.3 billion state budget for the coming year.
Scott released his budget recommendations on Monday at a sign manufacturing company in Jacksonville. The Republican governor chose the location to emphasize his push for $1 billion in tax cuts.
Scott says the tax cuts, which are targeted largely at businesses, are needed to diversify the economy. GOP legislators have already expressed skepticism at the amount.
Scott is recommending a 2.5 percent increase in money spent on public schools, but the bulk of that extra money would come from a rise in property taxes.
The governor is also recommending cuts in other parts of the state budget including the reduction of nearly 1,000 state jobs.
State legislators will consider Scott's recommendations when they start their annual session in January.
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